Continuing a holiday tradition, the Thunder will play New Year’s Eve as part of downtown OKC’s Opening Night events, hosting the Phoenix Suns. That match-up comes as part of a five-game home stand to also include:• Dallas Mavericks, Dec. 29;• Portland Trail Blazers, Jan. 3, 2012;• Houston Rockets, Jan. 6, 2012; and • San Antonio Spurs, Jan. 8, 2012.

Pre-season games begin Oct. 17 against the New Orleans Hornets in Wichita, Kan., and Oct. 21st facing the Denver Nuggets in Tulsa. The Thunder also host the Charlotte Bobcats on Oct. 14 and the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 27 at the Oklahoma City Arena as part of the pre-season.